When Is Couples Therapy Appropriate?
Couples will often seek counseling when facing an issue such as a separation, divorce, or an affair.
Couples with day-to-day problems often do not see the need to seek professional help, until it becomes too late. It is helpful to seek out professional help while the “glue” is still holding your relationship together. When couples encounter problems or issues they see as day to day, they may wonder when it is appropriate to seek counseling. Here are four good reasons.
1. Poor communication
Often couples find that they just aren’t able to talk about their problems. One or both partners might find it frightening to bring up issues that they think are a concern. Couples’ issues can range from money to sex, or even just annoying habits. The point of couples therapy is to aid you and your partner in becoming clear on where these issues come from and to help discuss them openly.
2. Fighting more often than not
All couples argue and fight – in a relationship this can be healthy, but only when it is done in a constructive manner and does not occur frequently. If you find yourself constantly arguing with your partner you are likely stuck in a particular arguing style where neither you or your partner feel that you can resolve your fights. In couples therapy we can help you change your arguing style so that you can resolve issues in a less hurtful and blaming way.
3. Lack Of Intimacy
Many couples go through dry spells and it’s perfectly normal. As times goes by, with long work hours, kids, and other life demands it is normal for couples to have less sex than when they first met. However, intimacy becomes a problem when one or both partners feel neglected. Some couples shy away from discussions about their sex life, whilst others try and discuss it but with no resolution. It may be awkward to talk about, but sex and romance is a vital part of a relationship and are worth discussing in the hopes of regaining intimacy. Through therapy, a couple can explore the reasons behind their lack of intimacy and together work on a plan to regain that spark.
4. Holding On To The Past
All of us have what we term “emotional baggage”. This baggage from the past will inevitably affect the way you view your current relationship. In therapy we can help uncover what it is about your past that is affecting you so much and understand why it still hurts so much. By processing events and feelings from your past you will become more aware of how you are affecting your current relationship. This in turn, will enable you to stop engaging in behaviours or patterns that are unhealthy to yourself and your partner.
Help yourself feel happier, and help your relationship through couples therapy!